New York City, New York — A Palestinian activist from New Jersey detained for more than a year by U.S. immigration authorities following protests at Columbia University was released Monday after an immigration judge’s bond order was allowed to stand.
Leqaa Kordia, a 33-year-old Palestinian woman who has lived in New Jersey since 2016, had been held at the Prairieland Detention Center in Texas since March 2025. According to attorneys, Kordia was the last person still in immigration custody connected to the Trump administration’s crackdown on pro-Palestinian demonstrations at U.S. universities.
Kordia was among roughly 100 people arrested during protests outside Columbia University in 2024. Authorities later detained her during an immigration check-in in New Jersey, accusing her of overstaying her visa. An immigration judge ordered her release on bond three times; federal officials challenged the first two rulings but did not appeal the third, enabling her release.
Her lawyers also raised health concerns during recent hearings, noting she had a neurological condition that worsened while in custody. Kordia was hospitalized for several days after suffering a seizure at the detention facility.
Family members expressed relief following her release. “This past year has taken an unimaginable toll on Leqaa and our entire family,” said her cousin Hamzah Abushaban.
The charges connected to the Columbia protest were dismissed and sealed, though immigration proceedings related to her visa status remain ongoing.
Sources
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